They're great at dawn on cold mornings or to use a 3/2 down to 54 degrees.It is strange seeing that trend. I used to never see folks wearing hoods.
Unless it howling offshore cold Santa Ana winds, I really don't see the need for the hood. I do wear booties thought.
I was wearing a 2/2 short sleeve in 59 degree water until December in SD County. When the air temperatures finally started dropping, I needed a 3/2. The hood makes the early morning plunge much easier. Otherwise, I don't wear it.